- After another very long winter, the prospects for last week's opening weekend of fishing were not very good for several area lakes.However, just the idea of baiting a hook and enjoying the weather outside is part of what makes the opener special.Opening weekend brings high expectations for everyone. For some, it's about spending time with family."Because it's fun and I get to spend time with my dad," 9-year old Garrett Tobias of Woodruff explains. "I caught a 15-pound muskie on the Rainbow Flowage earlier."
For others, it's about keeping up an annual tradition with friends. A group from Milwaukee made it to the Northwoods for the 26th straight year."It's a weekend away from the city," John Boggil of Milwaukee said. "It's a weekend from responsibility. It's a chance to hang out with friends you have been with your whole life."But let's be honest, if you're able to reel one in, it's a great feeling.Ian Fischer of Merrill caught an 18-inch walleye near Tomahawk."It's pretty good," Fischer admits with a chuckle. "It's good to get some food in the fridge. Fish is always good."His cousin Chaz David reeled in a 16-inch walleye."We caught two walleye and four perch," David adds. "I could just feel the adrenalin flowing when I caught (the walleye)."Ice and cold water temperatures affected many area lakes last weekend. Improved conditions - and hopefully more fish is expected this weekend.